Cakewalk Sonar
A digital audio workstation for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music with MIDI support, virtual instruments, and effects
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| + | Multi-Track Recording | Enables recording of several audio tracks simultaneously, which allows users to layer instruments and vocals during project creation. |
|---|---|---|
| + | Non-Linear Editing | Allows for editing of audio and MIDI clips across a timeline without restrictions on sequence order, supporting flexible session arrangement. |
| + | MIDI Sequencing | Records and edits MIDI data to program virtual instruments and control note sequences, helping users build musical compositions. |
| + | Virtual Instrument Hosting | Loads software instruments directly into projects, which centralizes sound generation and management within sessions. |
| + | Automation Envelopes | Creates control curves for parameters like volume, panning, and effect levels over time, permitting dynamic adjustments during playback. |
| + | Digital Mixing Console | Provides a mixer interface for combining multiple track outputs and adjusting routing, supporting efficient balance and mix management. |
| + | Real-Time Effects Processing | Inserts audio effects into tracks or busses while recording or playing back, allowing users to shape sound in real time |
| + | Bounce to Disk | Exports sessions or individual tracks to various audio file formats, based on project settings, for distribution or further processing |
| + | Arranger Track | Provides a dedicated track for marking and reordering song sections, which aids in restructuring projects easily. |
| + | Integrated Sampler | Supports mapping and triggering of audio samples directly within a project, enabling users to incorporate recorded sounds effectively. |
| + | Plugin Oversampling | Implements oversampling on plugin processing to manage signal precision, supporting higher quality effect processing. |
| + | Rewire Integration | Adjusts for latencies introduced by audio plugins, ensuring that all tracks remain time-aligned across the session. |
| + | External Hardware Routing | Connects with other software applications through the Rewire protocol, allowing simultaneous routing of audio between programs. |
| + | Bus Routing | Routes audio signals to external hardware processors during recording or playback, which expands processing capabilities beyond the workstation. |
| + | Interface Customization | Groups tracks into busses for collective routing and processing, supporting simplified mix adjustments and signal grouping. |
| + | File Browser Integration | Allows users to rearrange panels and workspace components, creating a user interface that aligns with individual workflow needs. |
| - | Learning Curve | The range of available tools needs time to learn, which delays the start of production. |
| - | Project File Structure Constraint | The project file organization follows a set pattern, which prevents custom arrangement of assets. |
System Requirements
| # | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windows 7, 8/8.1 or 10 (32-bit or 64-bit) | |
| 2 | 2.6GHz Intel or AMD multi-core processor | Intel i5 or AMD A10 APU recommended |
| 3 | 4 GB | |
| 4 | 5 GB for minimal install | 20 GB |
| 5 | 1280x800 | 1920 x 1080 |
| 6 | ASIO compatible hardware is recommended | |
| 7 |
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| # | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only) | |
| 2 | Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU | |
| 3 | 8 GB RAM | |
| 4 | 3 GB free disk space | |
| 5 | 1280x800 | |
| 6 | ASIO compatible hardware is recommended |
| # | Minimum |
|---|---|
| 1 | Windows 10® and higher |
| 2 | 8-core CPU |
| 3 | 16 GB |
| 4 | ASIO compatible hardware |
| # | Minimum |
|---|---|
| 1 | Windows 10® and higher |
| 2 | 8-core CPU |
| 3 | 16 GB |
| 4 | ASIO-compatible hardware |
| # | Minimum |
|---|---|
| 1 | macOS 10.15 and higher |
| 2 | Intel® Core™ or Apple M-series processor (64-bit only) |
| 3 | 16 GB |
Ratings
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Developer
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Initial Release
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Repository
Cakewalk Sonar being a proprietary software, its source code is not publicly hosted.
License
Categories
Alternatives
Digital Audio Editor
Digital Audio Workstation
Digital Audio Workstation
Notes
Understanding the Application Variants
- Evolved from Cakewalk Pro Audio to SONAR in the early 2000s, Cakewalk SONAR originated as Cakewalk’s flagship Windows-based digital audio workstation (DAW), culminating in its final major release in 2017.
- Cakewalk SONAR was available in four progressively feature-rich editions: Home Studio, Artist, Professional, Platinum; Platinum being most feature rich.
- In November 2017, Gibson Brands (which had acquired Cakewalk in 2013) announced the end of SONAR’s active development. 1
- Early in 2018, BandLab Technologies acquired Cakewalk’s assets and relaunched the product as Cakewalk by BandLab, maintaining bug‑fix and security updates only. 2
- As of now, BandLab markets two distinct paid DAWs built on the SONAR lineage.
- Cakewalk Sonar — The direct, paid successor to the free Cakewalk by BandLab, with ongoing feature development and a refreshed UI. Available for Microsoft Windows only.
- Cakewalk Next — A next‑generation creation‑focused DAW aimed at rapid songwriting and idea capture. Available for Microsoft Windows and macOS.
- A few good articles: